The end of the line? Australian Jarryd Hayne released by San Francisco 49ers
Former rugby league star fails to make the grade in NFL adventure
Australian Jarryd Hayne, the former rugby league star who jumped to American football this season, has been released by the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
On the eve of the 49ers’ game against St Louis, they announced running back Kendall Gaskins was joining the active roster from the practice squad at the expense of Hayne.
The 27-year-old from Sydney played for the Parramatta Eels in Australia’s National Rugby League from 2006-last year, taking Player of the Year honours in 2009 and last year before he left to make his bid to join the NFL.
The 49ers signed Hayne in March and he claimed a spot on the season-opening 53-man roster as a kick returner and running back, making his debut for the 49ers against Minnesota.
Hayne fluffed his first attempt at a punt return in the San Francisco victory.
Hayne appeared in six games for the 49ers this season, carrying the ball eight times for 25 yards, making one catch for seven yards and returning eight punts for 76 yards.